"This was my very first car. I bought it after I graduated from college in 2005 so it was already a few years old when I got it. It has been the best car ever and has never let me down. I will tell you I have been hard on it, too. I do my best to get the oil changed every 3,000 miles but sometimes I would forget.
I have driven this car from Texas to Connecticut and no problems. It has been a dream car. It handles well and doesn't feel like a BIG car, very maneuverable and easy to drive. I went from driving my parents' Jetta to this and the transition was very easy.
In recent years it has begun to show its age, it is 15 years old after all so it is to be expected. If I could I would buy another one or even better keep this one forever but I just got into law school and I will have a very long commute to school and I need a car that is easy on the gas. It goes without saying that the Xterra is not easy on gas, but I do not consider that a flaw because it is an SUV, they guzzle gas, it's what they do.
I cannot say enough wonderful things about this car and the day I have to part with it will be a very sad day indeed."

"I loved this car from first release in 2000...finally buying one in 2001. My X-car has served me well as noted in my ratings above! The mileage isn't the best, but every car has to have at least one drawback. My car has made many trips in all kinds of weather and conditions and has never failed me! Yes, it's been off road and dirty - very dirty. I think it almost prefers a rugged drive in snow and ice. I've made it home while dodging BMWs/Benz's stuck in snow/ice! Yeah! This car will have to fail me completely before I make the choice to buy another! Feels like my best friend."

Very satisfied overall

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating

9/10

Value

9/10

Reliability

10/10

Quality

10/10

Performance

9/10

Styling

8/10

Comfort

8/10

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"Daughter has same vehicle and drove it for years. Has been most reliable, very high mileage, still running today. Great for hauling sports equipment around, as well as handles great in the snow with good tires."

"All of the car makers are trying to move to lighter, more efficient, economical car designs... this leads to cars feeling flimsy, plasticy, and just flat out dissatisfying to drive.
The Xterra is really the last of it's kind (along with the 4runner) to offer a rugged, truck-frame based design that is built with substance. The doors are heavy, the frame is heavy, and because of all of that mass the Xterra has great ride quality, soaking up big and small bumps with ease. It is also very capable off-road and in snow.
Reliability was excellent when I owned mine. Didn't have a single problem with it and it drove like new the day I (unfortunately) sold it. I would have purchased a new model, but was looking for something with better gas mileage so I bought a Subaru Forester."

My Nissan Xterra has served me well!

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating

9/10

Value

10/10

Reliability

10/10

Quality

9/10

Performance

8/10

Styling

8/10

Comfort

9/10

Pros: "Gets through any snow storm"

Cons: "None"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 9

"My Nissan Xterra has been the best money I spent on a car ever! I really love everything about this vehicle. I have driven in serious weather and I have never been nervous with this car. It is sturdy and tough. I live at 7500 feet and go up and down hills daily. I needed a reliable tough car. This one fit the bill for the last 14 years! Great job Nissan for making an indestructible car."